With three major cornhole events scheduled in Scioto County in the near future, the staff at Kyle Sign Company, located at 10th and Chillicothe streets, in Portsmouth, are gearing up for area teams to have the best-looking cornhole boards and bags.

"We've been making them for about five years," said owner Skip Kyle. "It has become so popular. It is a way we can manufacture something here in Portsmouth. We have a very good location here, so it has turned out very well for us."

Kyle said he receives a lot of requests for custom cornhole boards, and one of the most popular is the Ohio State Buckeyes logo on a bright red board, sure to stand out at any tournament.

"We also do a lot of custom family things. We have done about anything that you can imagine," he said. "From family crests to race car, NASCAR - things like that. So, whatever somebody wants, we try to sell them."

Cornhole tournament action kicks off Saturday, at the Scioto County district of the first-annual Ted Strickland for Governor 2008 Cornhole Tournament Tour, taking place in locations throughout Ohio.

The tournament will be played at Portsmouth Shriner's Club, U.S. 52, in West Portsmouth, with registration beginning at noon.

Scioto County also will host the state championship on Sept. 20, at Strickland's birthday party at the Scioto County Fairgrounds in Lucasville.

Cornhole enthusiasts can sign up to play in the singles bracket or team up in the doubles bracket.

The entry fees will be $50 for singles and $100 for doubles.

Portsmouth also will host the World Championship of Cornhole, on Aug. 2.

"We feel like the most exciting event in competitive cornhole deserves a great venue, and the city of Portsmouth is a perfect fit," said Jack Williams, promoter of the tournament. "Portsmouth offers a unique sporting experience, fitting for our event."

The 2008 event will take place on Second Street in the historic Boneyfiddle District of Portsmouth, with proceeds from the event to benefit Ohio Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Williams said the doubles tournament requires teams not only have the skill to win, but also the stamina to withstand multiple matches against opponents of increasing ability.

He said the champions will receive a $1,000 prize and official 2008 World Championship belts.

Cash prizes and trophies also will be awarded to the top teams.

Championship weekend kicks off with The Downtown Throwdown on Aug. 1.

"This singles tournament will be the perfect warmup for the world championship on Saturday," Williams said. "The winner will receive a cash prize, and the event proceeds will benefit Main Street Portsmouth."

Kyle said the custom-made boards, created by Randy Allen, all are made to spec.

"The boards are made in accordance with the American Federation Cornhole Rules. It's on the Internet, and we follow those," he said. "We try to use the best materials here. Our plywood is a non-grain overlaid plywood that is normally used for cabinets and things like that. We try to make them light and strong, and we haven't had one come back yet."

The only accessories to the cornhole board are the bags, and Kyle has that covered as well.

"We have a lady, Dawn Arthur, and she has gotten quite proficient at it. We guarantee our bags. They are high-quality canvas and are also made to tournament regulations," he said.

Another reason to visit Kyle Signs is the menagerie. Dogs and cats dot the landscape, and add a touch of love and fun to the atmosphere. The staff of animal lovers stop to do the occasional petting, then get right back to sign and board making.

"Sometimes I think we are a dog shelter masquerading as a sign company," Kyle said.

FRANK LEWIS can be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 232.